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Guide for Protection of Recessed Boxes in Fire-rated Walls Using Firestop Putty Pads, Box Inserts, Cover Plate Gaskets and Endothermic Mats​

​Firestop putty pads, firestop box inserts, firestop cover plate gaskets and endothermic mats are products that are often chosen for recessed box protection, but many times the application range and specific code requirements are misunderstood. This Guide will walk you through the different IBC limitations and protection options based on the IBC categories of recessed boxes:
  • Steel boxes up to 16 sq inches
  • Steel boxes larger than 16 sq inches
  • Non-metallic electrical boxes of any size
  • Boxes other than electrical boxes
Read more here
UL makes critical changes to Ventilation Duct Listings

Read this HNLN- IFC white paper to gain background on these changes and implications on their installation and ratings achieved. After reading you will:
  • Learn about recent updates to UL category code HNLN aimed at helping to ensure that the differences between Duct Assembly Categories are well understood. 
  • Learn what is different about these new “Fire Protective Ratings” as compared to fire resistance ratings. 
  • Understand why the correct types of systems need to be used, in their entirety, for the full length of the duct system. 

"Fire Protection" ratings in industry are lesser than "Fire resistance ratings." For example, closures (e.g. fire doors) have fire protection ratings, which excludes temperature rise criteria. This revision is highlighting that new differentiation.

For more information, see link to UL HNLN Guide Information:
UL Guide Information as of May 11, 2020
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 UL initiates penetration firestop system
movement certifications

In 2016,  ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings issued standard E3037 “Standard Test Method for Measuring Relative Movement Capabilities of Through-Penetration Firestop Systems”.
UL has now finalized their testing and certification program that will verify conformance to the ASTM firestop movement standard.
A recording of an excellent 1-hour UL webinar on this topic is now available on demand. It explains the testing and certification program, and how the test data will be provided within penetration firestop system listings. The webinar recording can be accessed here.
Recent Publication
New ASTM E3157 - 19 Firestop Installation Guide: Standard Guide for Understanding and Using Information Related to Installation of Firestop Systems
This Guide’s 22 pages include good practices and planning considerations that help avoid most installation errors
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Gypsum Association publishes 2019 edition of GA-225, Repair of Fire-Rated Gypsum Panel Product Systems: editorial changes only

July 2019
The Gypsum Association has published a revised edition of its heavily referenced document "Repair of Fire-Rated Gypsum Panel Product Systems", also known as GA-225-2019.

The 2019 document edition provides the same technical guidance as the previous (2015) edition of that document, but with some editorial changes that aim to clarify the language and terminology. For example, past references to "gypsum board" now refer to "gypsum panel", and "material" becomes "panel".

Key technical points to remember from GA-225 are as follows:
  • For damage or holes smaller than 100 sq. inch per 100 sq. ft, the wall can be repaired with an inlaid piece of gypsum panel, and that new framing must be installed to back all four sides of that patching panel.
  • When damage or a hole exceeds 100 sq. inches per 100 sq. ft., all materials in the damaged area must be removed back to the original framing to make the repair.
As in previous editions, the document provides some excellent images to help explain the repair procedure for the damage areas smaller than 100 sq. inch.

If you wish to obtain the latest edition of GA-225 (2019), it can be downloaded from www.bnibooks.com/gypsum/product/ga-225-15-repair-of-fire-rated-gypsum-panel-product-systems
State of Kentucky Plumbing Code adds requirement for special inspection of plastic pipe firestopping

The Kentucky State Plumbing Code has added the requirement that plastic piping in buildings >45 ft. high must include a special inspection of the firestopping for those pipes, in accordance with inspection standard ASTM E2174. The state code can be accessed at http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/kar/815/020/060.htm .

The relevant text is extracted below:
(b) Plastic pipe and fittings may be installed in a building in which the plumbing system exceeds forty-five (45) feet in height if the installation complies with all of the requirements established in subparagraphs 1. through 3. of this paragraph.

1. The use of PVC and ABS piping shall be limited to schedule 40 or 80 produced and labeled as ASTM D2665 and D1784 for PVC piping and ASTM D2661 for ABS piping.

2. The installation of the plastic pipe and fittings (PVC or ABS) shall be made in compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, which shall be made available to the inspector.

3. Firestop systems shall be inspected in accordance with ASTM E2174 by an approved inspection agency.

The IFC is pleased to be able to help facilitate this recent new inspection mandate by providing online training and certificate exam to special inspectors needing to conduct these inspections.

An IFC firestop product familiarization training seminar is scheduled for Lexington, KY for July 21 to further train inspectors. Register at www.regonline.com/FirestopProductsKY .
UL publishes document explaining differences in air duct protection listings


There has been some confusion in the marketplace with regards to which UL listings for fire-resistance-rated or fire-protection-rated air ducts provide which type of protection.

To provide clarity, UL has published a document that helps explain the differences between their air duct protection listing categories HNLJ and HNLN. The document explains which test standards are used for each listing category, and the application limits for each listing category. It can be viewed at this link.

In particular, users are cautioned that listings in category HNLN may not provide an insulation rating, in which case ducts would need to maintain a minimum clearance of 18 inches (46 mm) to any nearby combustible or limited combustible materials. ​
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Intertek Qualified Firestop Inspector Program (IQP)
 
The IFC strongly encourages those special inspectors who do firestopping for a majority of their time to seek out the additional training and accreditation, as provided by the Intertek IQP program. See http://www.intertek.com/IQP/firestop-inspector/ for complete information on this program.
 
Briefly summarized, to be accredited in the IQP program, the inspector will need the following:
  1. IFC Premier Certificate (as described at www.firestop.org/inspection )
  2. Attend a 1-day, hands-on, how-to-inspect firestop seminar instructed by or approved by the IFC (see schedule below)
  3. Apply to Intertek, providing proof of a) and b) above
  4. Schedule a field audit by Intertek
 
Inspectors who become accredited through the Intertek IQP program are listed at the Intertek website, have photo ID cards that identify them as such, and have unique stickers that they can/should use for every penetration or joint inspected in accordance with ASTM E2174 and E2393. The Intertek IQP truly differentiates the most highly competent special inspectors available.
January 2013:

FIRESTOP SPECIAL INSPECTIONS ARE NOW REQUIRED IN THE 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC): 

Chapter 17, section 1705.16 of the IBC requires that all firestopping is inspected according to two ASTM standards ASTM E 2174 and ASTM E 2393.  These standards are also utilized when jurisdictions require firestop special inspections on large projects prior to adopting the 2012 IBC.   For more understanding of this trend feel free to contact the IFC.  info@firestop.org

Latest News

California code enforcement authority publishes rules on qualifications of firestop special inspectors

The California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) has published their detailed rule-mailing on the qualifications that they will require in order to approve individuals to conduct special inspections of installed firestopping. The document is Policy Intent Notice (PIN) 67, effective 03/06/2017.

The IFC provides guidance indicating how to obtain the training and accreditation required by OSHPD for firestop inspection at http://www.firestop.org/oshpd-inspector-approval.html.
Download OSHPD PIN 67
​ICC Preferred Provider CEUs available for all IFC seminars for AHJs,
and for special inspector seminars

The IFC has been approved in the International Code Council Preferred Provider Program.

All IFC seminars for AHJs and for special inspectors provide CEUs in the Preferred Provider Program.
Get the facts on when and how fire resistant ducts can/should be used
Check Out the IFC's 3rd Party Inspection Education and Certificate Program!

In spring 2014, the International Firestop Council introduced the first comprehensive Firestop Special Inspection education and certificate program.

-The 2012 International Building Code requires special inspection of firestopping for buildings over 75 feet in height, and category III and IV buildings.

Upon successful completion of the IFC training program participant will have competence and knowledge needed to be proficient in firestop special inspections.

For more information go to firestop.org/inspection, Building officials should accept nothing less than special inspectors who have completed this certificate program.

IBC 2012 3rd party firestop inspection is mandatory, gain the expertise necessary from the IFC.
-       Study materials accessible online at no charge*
-       Self-paced learning
-       Study at home, office, mobile
-       Online exam
Take me to the IFC firestop special inspector program
FIRESTOP SPECIAL INSPECTIONS ARE NOW REQUIRED IN THE 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC): 

Chapter 17, section 1705.16 of the IBC requires that all firestopping is inspected according to two ASTM standards ASTM E 2174 and ASTM E 2393.  These standards are also utilized when jurisdictions require firestop special inspections on large projects prior to adopting the 2012 IBC.   For more understanding of this trend, or others, feel free to contact the IFC at inquiries@firestop.org. ​
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International Firestop Council